FIFA12 Review

Digital Byte

by Matthew | on February 6th, 2012 | 0 comments

The FIFA formula has remained relatively consistent over the years, with only small incremental improvements made to the game. This year’s offering, however, has made some significant strides to ensure that the world’s most famous sports game remains on top. The developers at EA Sports have changed the game dynamics by introducing a new defence system, physics engine and precision dribbling. Overall, the game still retains that FIFA feel that we know and love, with the usual game modes available.

The various changes made to the game-play have ruffled some die hard FIFA players’ feathers. The tactical defence system really engages with the player; Gone are the old days of charging strikers with your defenders and winning the ball. The new defence system requires the player to time every tackle. If the timing is out, the striker will breeze past defenders. Jostling for the ball, once beaten by a striker, is another part of the new system. Defending has its challenges, but with a bit of practice players will become accustomed to the new system.

This game is much more challenging than previous versions, and new comers to FIFA, may become disheartened by it. Luckily, you can revert to the old control systems if you are unhappy with the new defending system. On the Attacking front an exciting addition is precision dribbling. Just like their real life counter parts, players with the ability to dribble will do so. Whipping the improved AI is not as easy as it once was, especially when you are up against the bigger teams. The dribbling system is quite realistic: Ronaldo will punish players with his blistering pace; long range efforts from Steven Gerrard will be converted, and so on. This adds to the realism. As does the new physics engine which makes player impacts and injuries look and feel like the real deal. Although the referee does make decisions based on the new system, he can sometimes seem unfair, just like in real life.

The new engine that FIFA runs on has definitely improved the visuals of the game. For the first time the PC version of FIFA is running on the same engine as the console versions. If you are looking for the best visuals possible, the PC version might be the place to look. In addition to the new engine the various game modes are, of-course, still available and have been greatly improved. If you are not playing FIFA online(and you should be) the manger mode has become the ultimate alternative FIFA experience. You can select to play as a manager or a player or a player-manger. You can now even chat to the media.Plus a new countdown to transfer deadline adds to the realism of the game. Multi-player is still as addictive as ever. Connecting to EA’s servers is quick and seamless if you have the right broadband connection, so try it out if you haven’t already.

Overall FIFA 12 is the best football simulator available. PES still has its fans but I believe FIFA is king of the football sims.

FIFA 12 is available on Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii, PS2, PSP & 3DS.